Published: October 27, 2026
A Safer and Seamless Regional Trail Connection
The City of Colwood, in southern Vancouver Island, BC, has officially opened the new Galloping Goose pedestrian and cycling bridge, marking a major milestone in improving regional trail connectivity and safety across the West Shore community. Spanning Sooke Road (Island Highway), the bridge eliminates a long-standing gap in the 55km Galloping Goose Regional Trail and creates a seamless, uninterrupted connection for pedestrians and cyclists traveling between Victoria and Sooke.
A Critical Link Reconnected
For decades, trail users navigating this section of the Galloping Goose Trail were required to detour along the busy four-lane highway and signalized intersections—creating both safety concerns and an unwelcome break in the overall trail experience for daily users. The newly constructed bridge now lifts pedestrians and cyclists above the highway, offering a direct, intuitive crossing that supports safe, comfortable use by people of varying ages and mobility needs.
“This bridge represents a major step forward in creating safer, more connected active transportation networks across the region,” said Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi at the opening ceremony. “By closing the biggest remaining gap on the Galloping Goose, we’re making it easier for people to choose walking and cycling as part of their everyday lives.”
Bridging Generations: A Community Story Unfolds
Among the first to cross the bridge at the April 9th, 2026 opening event were seniors from West Shore Village, an independent living community located just steps from the trail. Throughout construction, residents regularly gathered along the fence line—chairs set out, hats on—to watch the bridge take shape day by day. They quickly became familiar faces to the construction crew, following progress closely and cheering on milestones as the structure rose above the highway.
That sense of connection came full circle at the ribbon cutting, where the seniors were invited to be honoured guests and among the first official users of the bridge. Walking the Galloping Goose is a favourite daily activity for many of them, and the new bridge now provides a safer, uninterrupted route they can enjoy every day—transforming months of watching construction into a lasting community benefit.
McElhanney’s Role: Acting as Owner’s Representative
McElhanney supported the City of Colwood on this landmark infrastructure project by serving as the owner’s representative, administering the design-build contract on the City’s behalf. Working alongside the design-build team—a partnership between Surespan and Stantec—McElhanney acted as a trusted extension of the municipality, focused on contract administration, coordination, and risk management rather than design services.
“Our role was to help the City navigate the complexity of a major infrastructure project and make sure emerging issues were addressed early and clearly,” said Ricardo Araya, Project Manager at McElhanney. “At the end of the day, the value comes from delivering something that feels seamless to the public, even when there’s a lot happening behind the scenes.”
Delivering Confidence Through Technical Expertise
Throughout construction, McElhanney provided regular field reviews and rapid reporting—often delivered to the City within 24 hours—so staff could stay informed without needing to be on site. When unforeseen technical or environmental questions arose, McElhanney’s in-house specialists were able to respond quickly, supporting efficient decision-making and minimizing potential delays.
“The bridge restores a sense of continuity—not just for the trail, but for the community,” added Araya. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see people of all ages using the bridge and experiencing the project as it was intended.”
A Community-Oriented Infrastructure Investment
Funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the $6.3 million project received more than $1.9 million from the federal government and over $1.6 million from the Province of British Columbia. At the opening event, provincial representatives highlighted the bridge as an example of infrastructure that supports health, climate action, and regional mobility by encouraging active transportation.
Designed with paved approaches and a gentle five percent grade, the bridge is welcoming and accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, mobility devices, and families alike. The City of Colwood is also working with Indigenous partners to incorporate cultural elements that reflect Lekwungen history and reinforce the bridge’s role as a place of connection and respect.
Building Safer, More Connected Communities
The completion of the Galloping Goose Bridge represents more than a new crossing—it restores continuity to one of Vancouver Island’s most important active transportation corridors and highlights the impact of collaboration between municipalities, rights holders, funding partners, and technical advisors. We couldn’t be prouder to be part of this exceptional team.
Learn More
Read the City of Colwood’s press release on this project.
To learn more about how McElhanney can support municipalities through complex infrastructure delivery, visit our Services page or contact a local office.